I recently returned from providing essential support to first responders and labor union members in the Donbas area of Ukraine. Despite facing frequent power outages, missile attacks, and the tragic loss of civilian lives in various settings, Ukrainians exhibit remarkable resilience. Their desire for peace is unwavering, yet they refuse to surrender their nation to Russian control and the harsh realities of occupation.
During my visit to the Save Ukraine center, I encountered children rescued from the occupied territories, with a troubling discovery that one in ten had experienced sexual abuse. Shockingly, over 20,000 children have been reported as taken by Russia, hinting at a significant underestimation of the true extent of child exploitation in the region.
The situation is further complicated by the actions of sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who is impeding the transfer of £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC to aid Ukraine. Abramovich is also entangled in a legal dispute over frozen assets in Jersey, with the assistance of a member of the Conservative Shadow Cabinet, Lord Wolfson KC. This alliance has raised concerns about the normalization of relationships with Russian oligarchs, given Abramovich’s close ties to Putin.
The involvement of Lord Wolfson and former Trump advisor Eric Herschmann in Abramovich’s legal battles signifies a worrying trend towards business as usual with oligarchs linked to Russia. Such developments are concerning, especially when juxtaposed with the ongoing humanitarian crises and Ukraine’s struggle for survival.
The lack of action regarding Lord Wolfson’s collaboration with a sanctioned oligarch poses serious questions about the Tory leadership under Kemi Badenoch. It is imperative for democracy that accountability is demanded in this troubling situation.
The Labour government is urged to take decisive action by introducing emergency measures to prevent sanctioned oligarchs from exploiting the UK legal system and to redirect the approximately £30 billion in frozen Russian assets towards supporting Ukraine.
Ukraine stands at the forefront of the fight for democracy, and solidarity from the international community is crucial. A call is made to join a demonstration outside Tory Headquarters on January 7th at 5pm to show support for Ukraine and voice opposition to the current circumstances.
For more details on this matter, including Lord Wolfson’s response, click HERE.